Community Leadership Visit 2025 – Cincinnati, Ohio
Why Cincinnati?
In 2025, the Chamber is leading our 31st Community Leadership Visit to Cincinnati, Ohio. These trips provide the opportunity to experience a peer community, learn best practices, engage with industry leaders and experts, build relationships with fellow attendees, and more. Past trips have been successful catalysts for some of the Springfield region's most exciting community and economic development projects, and this year's trip will inspire you to continue thinking bigger.
A visit to Cincinnati offers an opportunity to explore an aspirational city that is making significant strides in urban core development, strategic economic and workforce incentives, housing investments, tourism and convention center upgrades, quality of place initiatives, and more. Over three days of programming, participants will gain firsthand insight into the opportunities and challenges of this "Queen City" while benefiting from meaningful peer networking.
Presenting Sponsor
Photos courtesy of Brand Cincy
Trip Details
During our first evening in Cincinnati, you will have the opportunity to dine at a local restaurant for a small-group dinner. Click on each of the restaurant options below to check out what they have to offer!
- Metropole
- Metropole, located inside the 21c Museum Hotel in downtown Cincinnati, pairs contemporary American fare with a focus on seasonal ingredients and wood-fired cooking. The menu leans into local sourcing, while the space blends modern design with rotating contemporary art installations.
- Colette
- From Chef Danny Combs, Colette is a "mostly French" restaurant in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine, just across from Washington Park. The restaurant celebrates the tradition and artistry of French cuisine while embracing modern sensibilities and global influences, creating a dining experience that feels both classic and contemporary. Note: family-style menu.
- Mita's
- Mita’s is the second restaurant from James Beard-nominated chef Jose Salazar, named in honor of his Colombian grandmother. Located downtown at Fifth and Race, Mita’s eclectic, farm-inspired menu focuses on both the traditional and modern foods and beverages of Spain and Latin America, with tapas, ceviches, cured hams, cheeses, and large plates. Note: tapas-style menu.
- Pepp & Dolores
- Inspired by the spirit and sense of hospitality experienced at Sunday supper in the home of our grandparents, Pepp & Dolores is a casual Italian restaurant that pays homage to family and to the food that brings people together. The menu features housemade pastas, carefully curated wines, and a balance of cherished family recipes with fresh, vibrant flavors that make you feel at home. Note: family-style appetizers and sides, individual entrée selection.
- Boca
- Boca is Chef David Falk's ode to Europe. It is a one-of-a-kind dining experience marrying world-class, chef-driven cuisine with gracious service. Boca showcases flavors from Italy and France with a menu executed with French precision and technique. Note: plan for coursed dining experience.
- Sotto
- Sotto is a downtown Cincinnati favorite that brings the spirit of rustic Italian dining to a warm, underground setting. Tucked beneath street level, the space feels like a hidden escape, with exposed brick, candlelight, and the inviting atmosphere of an open kitchen. The menu stays true to Italian tradition, built around simple, high-quality ingredients and house-made pastas. Note - family-style menu; plan for coursed dining experience.
- Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse
- Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse, in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, is a vibrant destination known for its upscale steaks, show-stopping seafood, and glamorous 1940s-inspired decor. Renowned for its strong service and theatrical flair, the restaurant blends fine dining with a lively atmosphere.
On the second day of our visit, you will have the opportunity to choose one Community Immersion Activity from the following offerings. Please note: several activities require advance registration and have an associated Chamber cost. Registration confirms your commitment to participate and acknowledges that these costs are non-refundable.
- Explore Over The Rhine District with a Queen City Gift Card
- Discover the heart of Cincinnati’s historic Over-The-Rhine district with a visit to Findlay Market—Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market. Surrounded by 19th-century architecture and home to 50+ merchants, this bustling hub offers farm-fresh goods, global flavors, and local charm. Participants will receive a Queen City Card to shop and explore at their own pace.
- Riverfront Park Bike Tour
- Pedal your way through downtown Cincinnati and along the scenic riverfront in this active, guided ride. Ride by city landmarks, green spaces, and waterfront views —perfect for those who enjoy a little movement with their city immersion.
- ArtWorks Over The Rhine Mural Tours
- Explore Cincinnati’s most iconic murals in this vibrant downtown and Over-the-Rhine walking tour. These bold, beloved works of art reflect the city’s identity, celebrating hometown heroes, civic values, and local history. Each mural is a visual landmark with a story to tell—perfect for discovering new perspectives in familiar places.
- 1919: The Year That Changed Baseball Tour
- Step into baseball history with this downtown walking tour, exploring Cincinnati’s central role in the infamous 1919 World Series and the Black Sox Scandal. Led by American Legacy Tours and the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum, this experience highlights the city’s legacy as the birthplace of professional baseball—and the site of a game-changing championship.
- Cincinnati Art Museum
- Located in scenic Eden Park, the Cincinnati Art Museum offers a world-class experience with a collection that spans 6,000 years of artistic achievement. During a private “Story of Art in Cincinnati” tour, attendees will explore the museum’s renowned Cincinnati Wing, where the city’s rich cultural history is brought to life.
- Explore on Your Own
- You are welcome to explore on your own for this community immersion time. We encourage you to identify opportunities to further see and engage with our host community, however, this time can also be used to relax and refresh before dinner, catch up on work responsibilities, or meet with a peer/counterpart in the Cincinnati region (please note the Chamber is not responsible for identifying or setting any counterpart meetings; however, we are happy to help make an initial connection if this ask is shared with us ahead of the trip).
This Community Leadership will offer the unique opportunity to visit several venues throughout the city of Cincinnati. Click on the links below for a preview of where we will be spending our three days!
- 21c Museum Hotel - Located in downtown Cincinnati, 21c Museum Hotel blends a contemporary art museum with a boutique hotel experience. The building once housed the historic Metropole Hotel, a landmark dating back to 1912 that served travelers for decades before falling into disrepair. Revived and reimagined in 2012, the space now features rotating exhibitions, stylish guest rooms, and the Metropole restaurant.
- Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal - The Cincinnati Museum Center is housed in the iconic Union Terminal, a 1933 Art Deco train station that still serves Amtrak passengers today. Inside, visitors can explore several museums under one roof, including the Cincinnati History Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science, and the Children’s Museum. A National Historic Landmark, the terminal is as much a destination for its grand rotunda and historic design as it is for its cultural and educational experiences.
- Contemporary Arts Center - Located in the heart of downtown, the Contemporary Arts Center has been a fixture in Cincinnati’s creative landscape since 1939. Its current home, designed by Zaha Hadid, opened in 2003 and remains one of the most architecturally significant sites in the city. The CAC features rotating exhibitions that highlight contemporary artists from around the world.
- Great American Ball Park - Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinnati Reds and the nation’s first professional baseball team, sits along the banks of the Ohio River and offers striking views of downtown. Since opening in 2003, the ballpark has combined contemporary features with a deep connection to the team’s storied past. Just steps away, the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum showcases more than 150 years of Cincinnati baseball history.
- TQL Stadium - Opened in 2021, TQL Stadium is the home of FC Cincinnati and one of the newest and most advanced soccer stadiums in the country. With seating for 26,000 and a dynamic LED-lit exterior, it’s a bold addition to the West End neighborhood. The stadium is known for its steep stands and energetic matchday atmosphere, but it also serves as a venue for concerts and large-scale community events.
- University of Cincinnati Nippert West Pavilion - The West Pavilion at Nippert Stadium offers a modern experience inside one of college football’s oldest venues. Renovated in 2015, the pavilion includes club-level seating, indoor lounges, and flexible event space with views of the field and downtown. It’s used year-round for university events, alumni gatherings, and game day hospitality, all while maintaining a connection to the stadium’s long-standing history.
- Cincinnati Chamber Learning Center - The Learning Center is housed within the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and serves as its largest meeting space. With flexible seating and standard tech capabilities, it’s often used for leadership programs, workshops, and networking events.
- Vista at the Lytle Park Hotel - Perched on the rooftop of the Lytle Park Hotel, Vista offers sweeping views of downtown Cincinnati and the riverfront. Like the hotel itself, Vista blends historic charm with modern style in both its atmosphere and service.
- Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library - At 540,000 square feet, the Main Library is the Cincinnati and Hamilton County's flagship location, accounting for about half of the library's public space. In December 2017, the Library Board of Trustees approved efforts to begin renovations at an estimated investment of $43.4 million. The Main Library building reopened following these renovations in July 2024.
Workforce Development/Education
- From Cincinnati State: Cincy State welcomed local entrepreneurs to “10,000 Small Businesses” program for 2025
- From the University of Cincinnati: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine visits UC to learn more about success of co-op
- From WVXU: Cincinnati State expands technical training with support from Intel and JobsOhio
- From the Ohio Department of Higher Education: Southwest Ohio Campuses Receive a Share of $8 Million Approved for Collaborative Workforce Development
- From Ideastream Public Media: Ohio's 65 by 2025 Attainment Goal
Economic Development
- From REDI Cincinnati: Resilience, JobsOhio and REDI Cincinnati Announce Continued Partnership and Expansion in Blue Ash
- From the University of Cincinnati: Huntington Bank economic forecast shows Cincinnati's rise
- From Cincinnati Business Courier: 20 Projects to Watch in Greater Cincinnati 2025
- From Cincinnati Business Courier: The future of Greater Cincinnati
- From The Voice of Black Cincinnati: Cincinnati Commercial Construction Projects
Tourism
- From Visit Cincy: What's coming to the Cincy Region in 2025
- From WCPO 9: Despite stifling Duke Energy Convention Center renovations, Cincinnati tourism officials optimistic for 2025
- From KCBX: Engaging community while simultaneously propelling tourism in Cincinnati, Ohio
Quality of Life & Talent Attraction
- From the University of Cincinnati: Living in Cincinnati: Why the Queen City is a great place to call home
- From the Cincinnati Chamber: Hello Cincy
- From Movers & Makers: Selling Cincinnati to the world
- From Breaking AC: Living in Cincinnati in 2025: What to Expect
Opportunities for Improvement
- From Cincinnati.com: Creating 'the Cincinnati we all believe in': Why Pureval is backing tax hike
- From Cincinnati Futures Commission: Cincinnati Futures Commission Report
Cincinnati
- Cincinnati Regional Chamber
- Downtown Cincinnati Inc.
- City of Cincinnati
- Cincinnati Comprehensive Plan
- Department of Community & Economic Development
- Hamilton County, Ohio
- Visit Cincy (Convention & Visitors Bureau)
- Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC)
- Cincinnati Reds
- Cincinnati Bengals
Northern Kentucky
Greater Cincinnati Region
- OKI Regional Council of Governments (Transportation Planning)
- REDI Cincinnati (Economic Development)
Higher Education
Quality of Life & Livability
Arts & Culture
- USA TODAY: #1 Best City for Street Art (2024)
- USA TODAY: #2 Best City for Street Art (2025)
Healthcare & Innovation
- U.S. News & World Report: Top Pediatric Hospital in the U.S. (2024–2025)
- Forbes: No. 1 Large Employer in Ohio (2025)
Business & Economy
- Bizee: #1 City for Young Entrepreneurs (2023)
- Site Selection: Top Metros (2024)
Sports & Events
- USA TODAY: #1 Best Marathon in America (2024)
- USA TODAY: #2 Best Marathon in America (2025)
Attractions
- USA TODAY: #1 Best Botanical Garden in the Nation, #2 Zoo (2024)
- Visit Cincy: BLINK: Largest Light and Art Festival (2024)
- Warren County Post: BLINK: Irma Lazarus Award, highest of the Ohio Governor’s Awards for the Arts (2025)
